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Climb to Cabot Tower for sweeping views over the Narrows and the Atlantic, where Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal.
St. John's, Canada
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City Break Packages to St. John's
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about St. John's
St. John's is one of the oldest cities in North America and the vibrant capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. Its steep downtown tumbles toward a working harbour, lined with the candy-coloured 'Jellybean Row' houses, the pubs of George Street, and the historic shops of Water Street. Signal Hill guards the Narrows above it all, and just beyond the city lie Cape Spear, puffin colonies, and Iceberg Alley.
St. John's, NewfoundlandClimate
Climate
Cool maritime · foggy summers ~16–20°C
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mild, foggy summers around 16–20°C; pack layers and a windproof jacket any month.
Currency
Canadian Dollar
Domestic trip — no currency exchange needed
Entry
Domestic flight
Government photo ID, no passport
Top Experiences in St. John's
Landmark
Food & nightlifeGeorge Street & Water Street
Get 'screeched in' along the famous pub strip of George Street, then browse the shops and restaurants of North America's oldest commercial street.
Museum & harbourThe Rooms & Quidi Vidi Village
Explore the province's story at The Rooms cultural centre, then wander the fishing sheds and craft brewery of tiny Quidi Vidi harbour.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Photo ID: St. John's is a domestic destination — no passport required. Carry a valid government-issued photo ID for airport security and boarding.
Health card & insurance: Bring your provincial health card. Coverage between provinces can be limited, so travel insurance for extras and trip interruption is recommended.
Power & plugs: Newfoundland uses the same 120V/60Hz supply and Type A/B plugs as the rest of Canada — all your devices work with no adapter.
Time zone: St. John's runs on Newfoundland Time (NST), a unique half-hour zone — 1.5 hours ahead of Toronto. Adjust your watch and flight times accordingly.
Weather & packing: Expect wind, fog ('mauzy' days), and quick changes even in summer. Layers, a waterproof shell, and sturdy shoes for hilly streets are essential.
Best time to visit St. John's
Jun – AugPeak season
Warmest, longest days, whales and festivals. Busiest and priciest — book early.
Late May – JunIceberg Alley
Prime time to spot icebergs and returning puffins along the coast.
Sep – OctShoulder season
Crisp air, fall colour and fewer crowds; some tours begin to wind down.
Nov – AprOff-season
Cold, snowy and windy with short days; great value but many boat tours pause.
Where to stay
St. John's neighbourhoods
St. John's is compact and walkable, so where you base yourself shapes your days. Here's how the main districts compare.
Downtown & Water Street
City centre
The harbourfront heart of the city — Jellybean Row houses, Water Street shops, and George Street pubs all within a few blocks.
Best for
- First-timers
- Nightlife
- Walkability
The Battery
Harbour mouth
A cliffside former fishing village clinging to the Narrows below Signal Hill, with dramatic views and the North Head walking trail.
Best for
- Views
- Photography
- Hiking
Quidi Vidi
Northeast
A picturesque tidal harbour village with fishing stages, artists' studios, and the well-known Quidi Vidi Brewery.
Best for
- Craft beer
- Couples
- Local colour
Georgestown & Churchill Square
Uptown
Leafy heritage streets and the cafés of Churchill Square, an easy walk or short drive from the downtown core.
Best for
- Longer stays
- Cafés
- Value
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from St. John's
St. John's is a great base for the Avalon Peninsula's lighthouses, wildlife, and history. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel concierge.
National Historic SiteCape Spear — Easternmost Point of North America
Half day · 3 hrs15 km southeast · 25 min by car
Stand at the most easterly point in North America, tour the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland, and scan the sea for whales and icebergs.
Insider tips
- Bring a windproof jacket
- Sunrise here is the first in North America
WildlifeBay Bulls Puffin & Whale Boat Tour
Half day · 4 hrs30 km south · 35 min by car
Cruise the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see North America's largest Atlantic puffin colony, humpback whales, and seabirds by the thousands.
Insider tips
- Best June to July for puffins
- Book early on calm-weather days
History & FoodFerryland Lighthouse Picnic & Colony of Avalon
Full day · 6 hrs75 km south · 1 hr by car
Hike to a clifftop lighthouse for a gourmet picnic, then explore the 17th-century archaeology dig at the Colony of Avalon.
Insider tips
- Reserve the picnic in advance
- Great for spotting icebergs offshore
HeritageBrigus & Cupids Historic Towns
Full day · 6 hrs80 km west · 1 hr 15 min by car
Wander the tunnel and gardens of Brigus, then visit Cupids — the oldest English colony in Canada — on the shores of Conception Bay.
Insider tips
- Pair with a local tearoom stop
- Roads are scenic but winding
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Good to know
St. John's travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a passport for St. John's?
No. St. John's is in Newfoundland and Labrador, so it's a domestic trip — just bring a valid government-issued photo ID for your flight.
How long is the flight from Canada to St. John's?
Direct flights are about 3h 10m from Toronto (YYZ) to St. John's (YYT), with direct service from Montreal and connections from western Canada.
When is the best time to visit St. John's?
June to August is the sweet spot for warm days, whales, and festivals. Late May to June is prime for icebergs along Iceberg Alley and returning puffins.
How do I get around St. John's?
The downtown core is compact and walkable but hilly. A rental car is best for day trips to Cape Spear, Bay Bulls, and the Avalon Peninsula.
Can I really see icebergs and puffins?
Yes — in late spring and early summer, boat tours from nearby Bay Bulls reach puffin colonies and often pass drifting icebergs off the coast.
What's the deal with George Street?
George Street has one of the highest concentrations of pubs and bars in North America and is the place to be 'screeched in' as an honorary Newfoundlander.
What should I pack for the weather?
Pack layers, a waterproof windproof jacket, and comfortable shoes. Summers are cool and often foggy, and the weather can change quickly.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the Bay Bulls Puffin & Whale Tour or the Cape Spear visit to your booking at checkout.